This summer saw Cardi B try and fail to have her signature phrase “Okurrr” trademarked. But it also saw fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion file to trademark “Hot Girl Summer,” a term she popularized thanks in part to her album, “Fever” and her song “Hot Girl Summer” featuring Nicki Minaj.
Many artists decide to trademark phrases and names in an effort to use them to differentiate their products, according to entertainment attorney Desiree Talley of Talley Law Group.
“A trademark is essentially a brand name, it’s a trademark or service mark that includes any word, name, symbol, device or any combination of those particular items,” Talley told Atlanta Black Star earlier this month. “It’s intended to be used to identify and distinguish goods and services from one seller or provider from those of others. Essentially, you use a trademark to protect your brand and logos and just identify it from different sources.”